Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - The City of Niagara Falls recognized Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Gene Simmons on Sunday for his contributions to the local business community with his soda company "Money Bag Sodas".
As a way to honor Simmons, Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino awarded him with the "Key to the City", and even changed a downtown street name to "Gene Simmons Boulevard".
North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec also awarded Simmons the "Key to North Tonawanda" for holding a fundraising concert at the West Herr Riviera Theatre.
Restaino expressed his gratitude for Simmons and his interest in Niagara Falls, saying these types of relationships don't happen everyday for the city.
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"These types of partnerships - these things that come together, when you have people like Gene Simmons willing to lean in with a product that they believe can really make a difference in the market, then you have magic happening," Restaino stated. "We're proud to be able to host this event for today. We certainly welcome Mr. Simmons and the band to our community."
Simmons says he could have went anywhere to sell his product, but it was the community in Western New York that made him want to do business here.
"The greatness of this area is the people. You will not meet, nicer, more welcoming and gracious people anywhere you go in New York," Simmons stated. "If you look at somebody in their face, 'What are you looking at?' Over here? 'Hey, how you doing? Nice to see you. Are you from here?' You engage with people right away, and that's who I want to do business with."
Money Bag Sodas, which launched in 2017, has seen more than 1 million bottles sold in Tops stores across Western New York, and established a successful partnership with Rock Stead Sodas.